Final answer:
The ratification of the new covenant is similar to the old covenant in that both were initiated by God, involved sacrifices for atonement of sins, and signified a new relationship between God and humanity. The old covenant used repetitive animal sacrifices, whereas the new covenant was ratified by the singular sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks how the ratification of the new covenant is similar to the old covenant. In theological terms, a covenant is a sacred agreement or mutual commitment between God and humans. The old covenant, which is found in the Old Testament of the Bible, primarily refers to the agreement between God and the nation of Israel, where the Law, given through Moses, outlined the terms. The new covenant, introduced in the New Testament, refers to the agreement based on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, offering forgiveness of sins and a new relationship with God.
Both covenants were ratified through a sacrificial system. In the old covenant, there were animal sacrifices that symbolically covered and atoned for the sins of the people. This was a regular practice and was necessary for staying in right relationship with God. By contrast, the new covenant was ratified by the singular, sufficient sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
The similarity lies in the principle that both covenants were initiated by God and involved a sacrifice to atone for sins, signifying a commitment between God and humanity. The ratification of both covenants marked the beginning of a new relationship with God; the old covenant did this repeatedly through animal sacrifices, while the new covenant did this once for all with Christ's sacrifice.